Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near North Bridgton ME 04057

How to Select a Radiology Tech School near North Bridgton Maine

North Bridgton ME x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near North Bridgton ME so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the right school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifiers also. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Occupation Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in North Bridgton ME hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers have to maintain their equipment plus routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As North Bridgton ME medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in North Bridgton ME The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that North Bridgton ME radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Maine or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many offer additional options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many North Bridgton ME employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in North Bridgton 04057 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is typically provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be attended in the privacy of your North Bridgton ME residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally less expensive than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating North Bridgton ME x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many North Bridgton ME employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Maine xray technician programs you are assessing have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the North Bridgton ME medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with North Bridgton ME healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their North Bridgton ME residence. Students who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the North Bridgton ME schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in North Bridgton ME, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize some ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech School near North Bridgton ME

Picking the right x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in North Bridgton ME.

Some Background on North Bridgton Maine

Bridgton, Maine

Bridgton is a town in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. The population was 5,210 at the 2010 census.[4] A resort area in Maine's Lakes Region, Bridgton is home to Bridgton Academy, a private preparatory school, and the Four on the Fourth Road Race.

Bridgton is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

The undeveloped land was first called Pondicherry. It was granted in 1768 by the Massachusetts General Court to Moody Bridges and a group of proprietors. Settlement began in 1770 at what is now North Bridgton, where a tavern was built. The community was organized in 1779 as Bridgetown Plantation, named after Moody Bridges, and then incorporated on February 7, 1794 as Bridgton.[5]

Stevens Brook is only a mile and a half long, but it provided water power for 12 mill sites. It developed as an industrial center, with sawmills, gristmills, woolen textile mills, a tannery, shoe factory and brick manufacturer. Later, a corn and vegetable packing plant was built, in addition to a foundry, machine shop, shovel handle factory, sash and blind factory, and a coffin shop. Population increased when goods manufactured by water power could be transported to outside markets on the Cumberland and Oxford Canal, which opened to Portland in 1832.[6] By the mid-19th century, the town contained about 3,000 inhabitants. When the Portland and Ogdensburg Railway bypassed Bridgton, the town built the 2-foot-gauge (610 mm) Bridgton and Saco River Railroad link to the national rail network in 1883.[7] Summer vacationers arrived by rail and steamboat until automobile tourists began arriving after designation of the Theodore Roosevelt International Highway in 1919 (identified as U.S. Route 302 since 1935).[8] The convenience of highway travel caused abandonment of the canal steamboats in 1932 and the narrow-gauge railroad in 1941. Bridgton remains a popular resort area, with many children's summer camps located along the shores of the beautiful lakes and Shawnee Peak Ski Area, a ski resort, located in the western part of town.

Highland Lake in 1908